Thai Government Maintains Original Terms for Rail and U-Tapao Projects

Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat confirmed that contracts for the high-speed rail and U-Tapao Airport projects will remain unchanged. The government plans to boost investment in the Eastern Economic Corridor and attract international tourism.

Key Points

• Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed that contracts for the high-speed rail project and U-Tapao Airport development will remain unchanged, as amending them could lead to legal challenges from other bidders.
• The post-pandemic period has seen passenger numbers fall below initial estimates, prompting the government to focus on increasing investment in the Eastern Economic Corridor instead of revising contracts.
• Plans include inviting investors for large-scale entertainment and sports complexes (excluding casinos) and attracting major international theme parks to enhance tourism, support airport usage, and advance both projects into construction to boost economic growth.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the government will not amend contracts for the high-speed rail project linking three airports or the U-Tapao Airport development, confirming that both projects will proceed under their original terms. The deputy premier said any changes could lead to legal challenges from other bidders involved in the tender process.

Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat said the post-pandemic period has affected earlier projections, with passenger numbers expected to fall below initial estimates. Instead of revising contracts, the government plans to increase investment in the Eastern Economic Corridor to boost demand and support the usage of both projects.

Authorities, as part of this approach, are preparing to invite investors to develop large-scale entertainment and sports complexes in the area, with no casino operations included. Plans also include attracting major international theme parks to create new tourism destinations and increase traffic through U-Tapao Airport and the rail system.

Phiphat stated that once the new government formally delivers its policy statement, the Eastern Economic Corridor Office will begin engaging foreign investors in coordination with relevant agencies, advancing both projects into the construction phase and supporting economic growth.

Source : Thai Govt Keeps Rail and U Tapao Projects Under Original Terms